This year, the mentoring program, which is funded by DFG-coordinated research areas, including our FerrOs research group, supported and promoted 35 female students and 12 female early career researchers in their career planning, reflection and networking in the field of science. Mentoring and networking were the main instruments used to individually support the career-sensitive transition from university to academia for female students. The young female scientists, on the other hand, were specifically encouraged to apply and expand their skills and establish supportive relationships with other female scientists. Maria Ledesma-Colunga, one of our Start-Up Grant recipients, was also involved in the program as a mentor and supervised two students.

Dr. Maria Ledesma-Colunga with her Mentees.

Almost a third of the participating female students are aiming for a doctorate after completing their Master’s degree and some have already been accepted as a doctoral students at relevant institutes. This success impressively demonstrates how the mentoring program supports women in actively shaping their own career paths.

Congratulations to all participants for their commitment and success!